We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nate Maeda-Smouse. Check out our conversation below.
Nate, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I work with my kids daily with sports. My two older kids (7 and 13) play lacrosse. My daughter plays goalie like I did so it been fun working with her and my son had a set back with a compound fracture in his arm about a year and a half ago so he’s finally able to play full contact again. It’s been fun and rewarding to see the growth in them and to know that I had a hand in that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are Chef Nate and Jackie Maeda-Smouse, founders of Golden State Chefs, a luxury personal chef service offering fine dining experiences throughout San Diego and beyond. We specialize in sushi and Asian cuisine, and multicourse tasting menus, bringing the artistry and excitement of a fine dining or Michelin rated restaurant directly to our clients’ homes. What makes our work special is the balance of creativity, connection, and hospitality. Guests can simply relax and enjoy an unforgettable experience without having to lift a finger.
Golden State Chefs was created to redefine private dining with a more personal touch. Each menu is designed around our clients’ tastes and stories, making every event completely unique. Right now, we’re expanding our tasting experiences across Southern California and Arizona, continuing to create memorable evenings centered around food, fire, and connection.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person who saw me clearly before I could was my wife, Jackie. As a teen and young adult, I made plenty of mistakes and often struggled to take the lead in my own life. Looking back, those missteps were part of the journey that shaped who I am today. Jackie saw past all of that and saw the potential in me I couldn’t yet see myself. Her belief and trust gave me the courage to step into my strengths and build the life and career I have now.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I had a real shot at playing lacrosse at a higher level, but my choices as a young adult cost me that opportunity. I still carry a love for the game, and coaching my kids has been a way to reconnect with it. Being on the field with them reminds me what I love about the sport, but it’s also taught me patience. I have to be careful not to be overbearing or step on the team coaches’ toes because I want them to enjoy having me there. Watching them learn, grow, and have fun is a way to relive some of that passion and also pass on the lessons I learned the hard way.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I don’t change who I am for anything. I’m intense in everything I do. Whether I’m crafting a tasting menu, coaching my kids on the lacrosse field, or running my business. That intensity shows in my focus, my passion, and the care I put into every detail. People see the real me in every setting, and staying true to that intensity is what shapes both my work and my life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop cooking professionally and devote that time entirely to my kids and my wife. I’d spend my days on the lacrosse field with them, coaching and sharing the game I love — a game that was known to Native Americans as the “medicine game,” meant to heal, teach, and bring communities together. I’d focus on passing along not just the skills, but the history, the lessons, and the values that come with it. Even at home, I’d be cooking for fun, sharing meals and moments without the pressures of work. Everything else – the events, the stress, the professional grind, all of that would take a back seat to family, connection, and the joy of being fully present with the people I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: www goldenstatechefs.com
- Instagram: @goldenstatechefs
